Whispers of wind rustle through the reeds around us here at De Kluut. De Kluut is a nature area that offers a serene escape. It is located west of the Lange Bretten in Amsterdam. This area is an almost forgotten realm of islands. It features a peat polder with plenty of water reed lands and small woods.
De Kluut lies between the Groote Braak and Zijkanaal F waters. The area is rich in reeds. These reeds provide a perfect breeding ground for birds. The western marsh harrier and Savi’s warbler thrive here. You might also spot tufted ducks great crested grebes and sparrowhawks. Wild spindle trees add to the area’s diverse plant life.
The creation of the Westrandweg A5 in 2009 impacted the original area of De Kluut. Rijkswaterstaat compensated by creating a new marsh area south of Haarlemmerweg N200. It lies west of the Westrandweg. This new area is named Kluut 2 also known as Kluut II. It serves as a habitat for marsh animals such as the Eurasian bittern. Kluut 2 is part of the Tuinen van West. The remaining part of the old area is now known as Kluut 1 or Kluut I.
Take a bike ride along the Dubbele Buurt to fully appreciate De Kluut. Because the area lies between two bodies of water you can also explore it by boat. Combine your visit to the Lange Bretten with a trip to De Kluut.
The name “Kluut” might also refer to a bird species. The bird is known for its striking black and white plumage. It also has an upward-curving beak. Once someone called the bird a symphony in black and white. These birds can be quite territorial. They often engage in skirmishes with intruders. Most of these birds migrate to Southwestern Europe and North Africa for the winter.
Kluts forage by walking in mud and shallow water. They sweep their heads from side to side. They also swim well. They nest in colonies usually on sandy plains or marshy meadows near water. They eat invertebrates. They find their prey by sight and touch.
So as we leave De Kluut remember the quiet beauty of this restored habitat. Consider the birds and plants that call it home. De Kluut is a testament to nature’s resilience and our commitment to preserving these precious spaces.